Which Rice Cooker Should You Buy?
The Toshiba TRCS01 and the Tefal Cooltouch RK1568 are two popular choices for UK families who want a dependable rice cooker. The Tefal is a simple, budget‑friendly model, while the Toshiba sits in the mid‑range with better performance and more cooking flexibility.
This comparison breaks down the differences so you can choose the right one for your kitchen.
⭐ Quick Verdict
Both cookers are good, but they serve different needs:
- Toshiba TRCS01 → Better rice quality, more modes, and more consistent results.
- Tefal RK1568 → Cheaper, simpler, and ideal for basic everyday cooking.
If you want better performance, choose Toshiba. If you want the lowest price, choose Tefal.
🔍 Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | Toshiba TRCS01 | Tefal RK1568 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.8 L | 1.8 L |
| Power | 700W | 700W |
| Cooking Modes | White, Brown, Quick, Mixed, Porridge | Cook / Warm |
| Heating | 3D surround heating | Standard bottom heating |
| Bowl | Non‑stick | Non‑stick |
| Accessories | Cup, spatula | Cup, spatula |
| Rice Quality | More consistent | Good but basic |
| Price | Mid‑range | Budget |
| Best For | Families wanting better results | Families wanting simplicity |
🏆 Rice Quality
Toshiba TRCS01
Produces fluffier, more evenly cooked rice thanks to 3D heating and multiple cooking modes. Handles white and brown rice better than most budget models.
Tefal RK1568
Good for everyday white rice, but less consistent. Brown rice can be slightly firm or uneven.
Winner: Toshiba TRCS01
⚙️ Features & Cooking Modes
Toshiba TRCS01
Offers several modes, including:
- White
- Brown
- Quick
- Mixed
- Porridge
This gives you more control and better results across different rice types.
Tefal RK1568
Only has Cook and Keep Warm. Simple, but limited.
Winner: Toshiba TRCS01
🧱 Build Quality
Toshiba TRCS01
Feels more solid, with a better lid seal and more refined heating system.
Tefal RK1568
Lightweight and functional, but not as robust.
Winner: Toshiba TRCS01
🧼 Ease of Use
Toshiba TRCS01
Still simple, but with more buttons and modes to choose from.
Tefal RK1568
Add rice → press button → done. Zero learning curve.
Winner: Tefal RK1568
💷 Price & Value
Toshiba TRCS01
Costs more, but offers better performance and more flexibility.
Tefal RK1568
One of the cheapest 1.8 L cookers in the UK — unbeatable for basic needs.
Winner:
- Best performance value: Toshiba
- Best budget value: Tefal
👨👩👧 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Toshiba TRCS01 if you want:
- Better rice quality
- More cooking modes
- A mid‑range cooker that feels reliable
- Consistent results for white and brown rice
Choose the Tefal RK1568 if you want:
- The lowest price
- A simple, no‑nonsense cooker
- A large capacity for family meals
- A machine with zero learning curve
⭐ Final Verdict
The Toshiba TRCS01 is the better rice cooker overall — more consistent, more flexible, and better suited to families who cook rice regularly.
The Tefal RK1568 is the better choice for buyers who want something cheap, simple, and reliable for basic white rice.
Both are good — it just depends on your priorities.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
Toshiba TRCS01
- ABOUT TOSHIBA - Toshiba brings over 140 years of innovation, launching the first automatic electric rice cooker in 1955 and is a leader in the rice cooker industry.
- JAPANESE-STYLE RICE COOKER - Industry leading 3D cooking technology and intelligent 6-step cooking process. The steam valve and inner nonstick pot can preserve the steam and heat for perfect fluffy rice every time.
- PROFESSIONAL RICE COOKER - 7 pre-programmed settings to cook white rice, brown rice, mixed rice, short or long-grained rice, oatmeal, porridge perfectly in terms of texture, flavor and aroma. 12 cups cooked rice for family serving.
- QUICK RICE FEATURE - The Toshiba rice cooker has a quick rice feature, the specially designed sensor accelerates the cooking time to 30 minutes, which is an excellent and a great time-saving option.
- KEEP WARM FEATURE - The rice cooker keep-warm setting activates automatically when cooking is complete, holding contents at an ideal serving temperature for up to 24 hours.2 PROGRAMMABLE DELAY TIME FEATURES - The rice cooker has 2 delay time options, set the timer allowing rice to be ready when needed. Just add rice and water in the morning and come home to delicious ready to eat riceREMOVABLE LARGE STEAM VENT
Tefal RK1568
- TWO SETTING FUNCTION: Choose from Automatic cooking to cook your rice to your standards, before serving, when ready, for rice that keeps warm after cooking thanks to the keep warm function.
- SAFE HANDLING: CoolTouch has a coolwall body that keeps cool during operation. Equipped with nonslip feet for secure placement and a convenient plastic handle allowing you to move or serve from the rice cooker without injury or harm.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Non-stick removable bowl that is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and convenience.
- BIG CAPACITY: Comes with 1.8 L food capacity that can serve between 10-20 portions.
- INCLUDED: 1 Measuring cup, 1 Serving spoon and a Steam basket.
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Related Reviews
- Toshiba TRCS01 Review
- Tefal RK1568 Review
- Russell Hobbs 27020 Review
- Yum Asia Panda Review
Helpful Guides
- Best Rice Cookers UK 2026
- How to Choose a Rice Cooker
- Rice Cooker Sizes Explained
- Fuzzy Logic vs Standard Rice Cookers
Last update on 2026-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API